Definition

In a way that is difficult to understand or interpret; mysterious or enigmatic.

Example

She smiled inscrutably, leaving everyone wondering what she was thinking.

Conversation

I saw him at the party last night, and he was acting inscrutably as usual.

Really? I can never figure out what's going on in his mind.

Exactly! It's like he has this mysterious vibe that keeps everyone guessing.

Yeah, it makes him kind of intriguing, but also a bit frustrating sometimes.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Inscrutably → It is formed from "in-" (meaning not) and "scrutari" (meaning to search or examine) combined with the suffix "-ably" (meaning in a manner). The word "inscrutably" means in a manner that cannot be searched or examined, thus referring to something that is mysterious or difficult to understand.

Memory Tip

Think of something that cannot be 'searched' ('scrutari') because it is 'not' ('in-') clear or understandable — that's why inscrutably means something is mysterious.

Visually Confused Words